Varkala, a small hamlet town north of Thiruvananthapuram is an important religious destination, which has also grown into a popular seaside beach resort of Kerala. It has a beautiful beach facing the Arabian Sea, but what is more unique are the steep cliffs rising from the beach with unique geological formations and natural springs. The mineral rich waters are used for spa treatments and this small unexplored destination has been attracting many tourists, including foreigners, for a mix of beach relaxation and natural therapies.

View of Varkala beach from cliff top

Where is Varkala?

Varkala, the new beach resort of Kerala is about 50 Km north of Kerala’s capital town Thiruvananthapuram.

About Varkala

Varkala often referred to as “Dakshin Kashi” has grown into a popular beach resort in recent time. Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Shining white sands, cloudless skies touching the blue water, the red soil of the hilltop, coupled with yellow-green paddy fields, and green coconut trees, make such a composite picture of beauty which will touch the heart of every visitor.
Taking a bath in the bubbling waters of the hot springs, the sulphurous waters of which bring relief to a number of ailments related to the skin and musculo-skeletal structures rejuvenate and revitalize tired and ageing bodies, providing a respite from the ageing process.

Sun set at Varkala beach

The mineral rich waters are used for spa treatments and this small unexplored destination has been attracting many tourists, including foreigners, for a mix of beach relaxation and natural therapies.
What is more unique about this beach resort of Kerala is the steep cliffs rising from the beach with unique geological formations and natural springs, known as the Varkala Formation.

In and Around Varkala

Sivagiri mutt – It is the samadhi (memorial) of Shri Narayana Guru, spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala. A man much ahead of his times, he propagated the idea of one caste, one religion, and one God.

Sivagiri mutt

Sree Janardan Swamy temple – 2000 year old Janardan swami temple is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India. According to legend the temple was built by a king of the Pandyan dynasty who was instructed by the Lord Brahma to construct the Janardan Temple to relieve the king of his sins.Anjengo fort – The Dutch East India Company built a strategic Garrison called Anjengo fort near Varkala Beach. This fort seemed to have played a very important role in their military strategy during the 17th and 18th centuries.

How to reach Varkala?

By Air – Thiruvananthapuram international airport is the nearest airport and is just 57 km away.By Rail – The railway station of Varkala is just 3 Km from the beach.By Road – Varkala is just 50 Km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. It is just 11 Km off NH-47, which runs from Salem to Kanyakumari. A number of buses connect Varkala with the rest of the state.

Where to stay in Varkala?

Varkala, though a relatively new beach resort of Kerala has numerous accommodation facilities, ranging from luxury to budget category. The ‘cliff-top’ at Varkala is where most of the hotels & restaurants are located, over looking the Arabian Sea. Some of them are:-Akhil Beach Resort – Akhil Beach Resort (formerly known as Preeth Beach Resort) is one of the finest 2-star classified resort in Varkala. Located on the northern cliff in the middle of a lush green garden and palm trees, it is a perfect choice for a tranquil holiday. Tucked away from maddening crowd, this beach resort offers exciting mix of pleasure and goodness. The placid waters of the beach nearby, with the cliffs standing sentinel to the activities all around, it Akhil Beach Resort is undoubtedly one of the best option available for staying at Varkala. Apart from the 17 A/C cottages ranging from luxurious Honeymoon suite to heritage cottages and economic pool view and garden view cottages, there are 35 A/C and non A/C deluxe rooms with amenities that include the largest swimming pool in varkala , Multi-cuisine restaurant , beer and wine parlour, ayurvedic clinic, yogashala, wifi-internet connection and many more.

To know more about this resort which is merely two minutes walk to the scenic beach, you can either log on to the hotel website at: http://www.akhilbeachresort.com/akhil/ or you can give a call directly at any of the following contact numbers of the hotel: +91–9400292929, +91-9895998141, +91-4702600942 and +91-4702602341.

Clafouti Beach Resort – The staggeringly beautiful Clafouti Beach Resort offers the most panoramic views of the famed Varkala shoreline. The traditional wooden and bamboo cottages with all the modern amenities offer breathtaking vistas of sun and the sea, while the gourmet restaurant tempts the most jaded palate with a mouthwatering selection of international cuisine.
The resort has a wide variety of accommodation from independent cottages to simple bamboo thatched cool bedrooms. The cottages are duly furnished with typical Kerala decor. Each room has a balcony with spectacular views of coconut groves and the sea.

To know more about this beautiful resort where spending a day or two is in itself an experience, you can either log on to the hotel website at: http://www.clafoutiresort.com/ or call directly on any of the following contact numbers of the hotel: +91-4702601414, +91-4703021313, +91-9446848535.

Karthika plaza tourist resort – Dedicated to ensure excellent value for money, Karthika Plaza Resort, located right near cliff, makes possible an easy walk to the Papanasam beach. It is like a glowing gem nestled in a lush tropical garden. In this lap of nature is a heaven of man-made luxury with ten twin bed room in 2 levels with en suite bath and modern facilities. The in-house specialty is Traditional Home Made Kerala Food and a wide variety of fish, straight from the nets of the local fishermen. For an unique and unforgettable holiday at Varkala where genuine care and comfort of the guests are a priority, Karthika Plaza Resort is one of the best options of staying.

To know more about this beautiful resort which is indeed a great staying option of Varkala, you can either log on to the hotel website at: http://www.karthikaplaza.com/ or call directly on any of the following contact numbers of the hotel: +91-9946388654, +91-9400761711.

Hindustan beach resort – This spectacular resort right on the Varkala shoreline is indeed an immaculately designed home away from home. The Hindustan Beach Retreat at Varkala meets international standards of quality and service in every respect. With 27 well appointed rooms, each one with a spectacular view of the Arabian sea, giving you the luxury of solitude that you can enjoy with the sounds of nature, the resort takes care to ensure that right from the exotic furnishing to the silver turtles embossed in the China, you’ll relate to life by the sea like never before. You can relax in the exoticly beautiful ambience of the Poolside restaurant with a glass of chilled juice and snacks from the poolside barbecue or watch the orange sunset from the roof top restaurant. The seafood specialty restaurant is appropriately located on the roof top with the most spectacular view of the sea. Up there, you can unwind, watch a perfect sunset or sunrise and pamper your taste buds with a wide bouquet of seafood from exotic starters to elaborate continental and ethnic fare, you can savour the fresh catch of the sea.

To know more about this splendid resort of Varkala which is a class apart, you can either log on to the hotel website at: http://www.hindustanbeachretreat.com/ or call directly at any of the following contact numbers of the hotel: +91-4702604254, +91-4702604255, +91-4702604256..

About the Author: Hi! friends, travelling is my passion and my only hobby. High mountains to deep seas, lush green forests to barren deserts, holy places to sites of historical importance, - every beautiful place attracts me the same way.
I want everyone to feel the same and so through my writing I intend to take you all to a virtual trip to all those lovely places that I have visited.

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[…] Varkala – It is another sea side resort of Kerala at a distance of about 37 Km from Kovalam. This little known offbeat beach resort is fast gaining popularity because of its secludedness and auyrvedic therapies. To know about Varkala in details, click here […]